Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now? - 14 months and counting

My claim was denied after 12 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

File the appeal before the deadline, even if you are unsure. You can gather documents afterwards. That is the one part I would not wait on.

I printed my emails in order and wrote a one-page timeline. The hearing officer kept going back to it.